Windows 11 In-Place Upgrade: Keep Files, Apps and Settings

A Windows 11 in-place upgrade replaces Windows itself while leaving your documents, programs and most settings where they are. It is the standard way to move an eligible Windows 10 PC to Windows 11, and it is also one of the most effective repairs for a Windows 11 installation that has become unstable, with damaged system files or updates that keep failing. This guide covers when to use it, the three ways to start one, the choices setup offers and how to prepare so it goes smoothly.

When an in-place upgrade makes sense

• Windows 10 to Windows 11 on a PC that passes the compatibility check.
• Repairing Windows 11 when SFC and DISM have not fixed problems, updates fail repeatedly, or system components such as Start or Settings misbehave.
• Before a clean install, as a less drastic step, because you keep everything.

It is not the right tool for hardware faults, malware you have not removed, or a problem caused by one app.

Why now, if you are still on Windows 10

Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025. Microsoft’s consumer Extended Security Updates program runs until 12 October 2027, according to its ESU page as checked on 14 October 2026. ESU buys time, but an eligible PC is better off on Windows 11, which keeps getting feature and security updates. Microsoft’s download page lists Windows 11 version 26H2 as the current release.

Method 1: Repair from Settings (Windows 11)

Windows 11 has a built-in repair reinstall:

1. Open Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Next to Fix problems using Windows Update, select Reinstall now.
3. Confirm, and keep the PC connected to power and the internet.

Microsoft’s page on reinstalling the current version explains that this reinstalls your current version of Windows and keeps your apps, files and settings. It is the easiest form of in-place repair and should be your first try on Windows 11.

Method 2: Installation Assistant (Windows 10 to 11)

On an eligible Windows 10 PC, the Windows 11 Installation Assistant downloads Windows 11 and performs an in-place upgrade that keeps files and apps. Microsoft requires Windows 10 version 2004 or later, 9 GB of free space and an administrator account.

Method 3: setup.exe from an ISO or USB

This works for both upgrading and repairing, and is useful when the other methods fail.

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft’s download page (see our ISO download guide), choosing the same language as your installed Windows.
2. Right-click the ISO and select Mount, or plug in a USB drive made with the Media Creation Tool.
3. Open the new drive in File Explorer and double-click setup.exe.
4. When asked, choose whether to download updates during setup (recommended if you are online).
5. On Choose what to keep, select Keep personal files and apps.
6. Select Install and leave the PC alone through the restarts.

Microsoft’s Ways to install Windows 11 page describes the three choices:

Option	Kept	Removed
Keep everything (personal files and apps)	Files, apps, Windows settings	Nothing you chose
Keep personal files only	Files	Apps and Windows settings
Nothing	Nothing	Everything, including files

Do not boot from the USB to do this. Booting from the media starts a clean install, which Microsoft warns wipes the drive.

How long it takes and what you will see

An in-place upgrade has three stages. First, setup copies files and checks compatibility while you can still use the PC; it may show a What needs your attention screen listing apps or drivers to remove before it can continue. Second, after the first restart, the screen shows a percentage while Windows installs; the PC restarts more than once. Third, Windows migrates your files and apps and you reach the sign-in screen.

On a PC with an SSD the whole process often takes under an hour after the download; older PCs with hard drives can take much longer. Do not switch the PC off during the percentage screens, even if the number seems stuck for a while. If it truly hangs for hours, see Windows 11 upgrade failed, because setup is designed to roll back safely.

Preparation checklist

• Back up your files to an external drive or cloud storage. Our upgrade and keep files guide covers what is and is not kept.
• Free disk space. Microsoft asks for 9 GB free just to download Windows 11 with the Assistant; leave plenty more for the upgrade itself.
• Disconnect printers, docks, card readers and USB drives you do not need.
• Uninstall third-party antivirus or disk encryption tools temporarily if setup complains; Windows Security takes over during the upgrade.
• Have your BitLocker recovery key in case it is requested; see BitLocker recovery.
• Plug laptops in and turn off sleep for the duration.

Why Keep personal files and apps may be greyed out

• The ISO language does not match the installed language.
• The edition does not match (for example, a Home ISO on an Enterprise PC).
• Setup was started by booting from the media rather than from inside Windows.
• You are trying to go from a newer version to an older one.

Fix the mismatch and start setup.exe from inside Windows again.

After the upgrade

Sign in, let Windows Update install the latest cumulative update and drivers, and check your important apps. For a feature update, you can usually go back within 10 days from Settings > System > Recovery if something is badly wrong; see roll back to Windows 10. If the upgrade fails with an error, see Windows 11 upgrade failed.